BENTON — James William “Jim” Arnold,

age 78, of Benton, departed this world on January 22, 2023, to be reunited with his parents, Herbert and Elizabeth Arnold; stepmother, Leonice Arnold; and sister, Judy Arnold Sweet who predeceased him.

James was born on October 19, 1944, in Hope, Ark. He received his early education in Hope and graduated from Walnut Ridge High School after his father was transferred to Walnut Ridge to be the Soil Conservation Agent. After attending Arkansas State University for 2 years, he transferred to Henderson State University and received his BA in Business Administration.

His military service included four years in the USAF, serving in Thailand during the Vietnam War, 10 years with the 212 Signal Battalion in Benton, Ark. During these years, he was the Office Manager of the Employment Security Division in Benton for nine years before choosing to extend his military career by joining the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Joe T. Robinson in NLR, Ark. He was a Battle Skills Instructor and Test Coordinator for 16 years. James retired in 2000 as a SFC and was a Disabled Veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; three stepchildren, Leah Graddy (Rob), Kirk Welch (Betsy), and Matthew Welch (Susan); and six step-grandchildren, Zachary and Emma Graddy, Sunny and Evan Welch, and Brennan and Maddie Welch all of Benton.

James will be remembered best for his witty sense of humor, generous spirit, and his love of playing cards, Rummikub, and Yahtzee with family and friends. After retirement, his hobby became woodworking and he enjoyed making trays, wooden keepsake boxes, and cardholders to give to family and friends.

Visitation will be 2-4 p.m., Saturday, January 28 at Ashby Funeral Home. At his request, there will be no formal services. Cremation by Ashby’s.

Per family request, memorials may be sent to Arkansas Children’s Hospital or Saline Memorial Hospice.

Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.